Ireland’s players talk us through the heart-stopping final moments of their championship win

Seven hours of sheer, nerve-tingling hell with 211 points and a plethora of entertaining rugby in between.

Ireland claimed their first back-to-back Six Nations [well, it Five Nations back in the day] championship in 66 years when they won the points difference race in Edinburgh. Having defeated Scotland 40-10, Joe Schmidt's men could only watch on as England set about gobbling up Ireland's 26-point advantage. Ultimately, the fell short. It was hellaciously close, however, and France had us in an absolute tizzy until their scrum-half [hero/legend,/gent] Rory Kockott hoofed the ball out and ended a thrilling contest. Here is what the triumphant Irish players, and their coach, made of it all:

Paul O'Connell

I couldn't believe they took the quick tap but, then again, they're not playing for us. They wanted to score a try. That's what we were saying at times, when we were wondering if they would kick the penalties. They had no reason to. It is the most strangest, bizarre way to win a trophy but when you do win one in those circumstances it is incredible. When you are sitting there at a table with a few of the lads around you and a beer in front of you, watching it on TV, you are like a supporter. You are completely powerless to influence the result.

Robbie Henshaw

My heart was nearly as high as it was in the game. It was incredible when France eventually got the ball off the field. I think there was a quick tap in there and a few of us nearly pulled our hair out. It was just, I think it was the loudest roar I heard all day apart from the crowd in the stadium.

Conor Murray

In fairness to England, they gave it some crack, but fair play to France. They scored some great tries. There were a few cheers every time they got over the line. It was surreal.

Joe Schmidt

To be honest, I didn't notice. I thought the game was over. I only noticed about 20 seconds after, that the ball was still in play. I thought "Ah, that's fantastic" then looked up and it was still out there. Not good, but thankfully Rory Kockott kicked it out and it was game over. Hat-tip @killeroc for post-match quotes

Sean O'Brien

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